MEET OUR RABBI
Rabbi Jonathan Horowitz, the spiritual leader of the Willie and Celia Trump synagogue, has been actively engaged in the rabbinate for over 30 years. He is a descendent of many generations of rabbinical leaders including the 16th century luminary Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz (Shlah Hakadosh) and the Mirkevet Hamishnah (Rabbi Solomon ben Moses of Chelm; 1715-1781). His primary mentor was his father, Rabbi Naftali Horowitz, z”l, a pulpit Rabbi and prominent Jewish educator.
Rabbi Jonathan Horowitz received his Jewish education at the Ner Israel Rabbinical College in Baltimore, Maryland and the Mesivta Rabbi Chaim Berlin where he was heavily influenced by the teachings and writings of its dean, the brilliant Gaon Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner, z”l.
Rabbi Horowitz received his semicha from Rabbi Shaul Goldman, z”l, a preeminent disciple of Rabbi Aron Kotler. He was awarded a BA from Queens College where he majored in history. Prior to his arrival in Williams Island (in 2000), Rabbi Horowitz assisted his grandfather Rabbi Yehoshua Horowitz, z”l, in his Brighton Beach synagogue. He subsequently served as spiritual leader of the Beth Israel synagogue in Schenectady, New York.
In addition to his rabbinical leadership, Rabbi Horowitz, throughout his career, has served his congregations as Chazan and Torah reader. Over the years he has prepared many young men and women for their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs.
As a pastoral caregiver, Rabbi Horowitz is intimately involved in the lifecycle events of his congregants. He is there to officiate at baby namings, Pidyon HaBen ceremonies, Bar and Bat mitzvahs, weddings and funerals. Above all, he is there to provide guidance, comfort, solace and support for anyone both in times of joy and profound sadness.
Rabbi Horowitz’s Shabbat morning sermons are timely, topical and insightful. Geared to a very eclectic audience, he has succeeded in opening his congregation to the profundity of Torah wisdom by showcasing the writings of the Maharal, Rabbi Tzadok HaKohen of Lublin and other great Hasidic thinkers.
During the week he has opened his home for stimulating coffee and cake sessions focusing on the weekly Torah portion. Rabbi Horowitz’s classes cover a wide array of topics including issues in contemporary Halacha (Jewish Law), Ethics of the Fathers, daily Daf Yomi, history lectures and book reviews.
Rabbi Horowitz is married to the former Janice Margolis, a graduate of Yeshiva University’s Stern College for Women, and a former marketing associate at TIME Magazine.
Rabbi and Rebbetzin Horowitz are the proud parents of five children and five grandchildren.